‘The Notebook’ 10th Anniversary: Watch Rachel McAdams’ Audition

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 10 years since ‘The Notebook’ — click to watch Rachel McAdams’ audition tape for the role that thrust her into movie stardom! (But you have to tell us if you cry.)

The Notebook was released on June 25, 2004, and the adaptation of Nicholas Sparks‘ 1996 novel was easily the most impactful romantic drama of its time. Not only did it thrust Rachel McAdams, 35, into the spotlight, but it was also a great vehicle for Ryan Gosling, 33, who hadn’t really had a huge starring role up until that point — and certainly not one as a romantic lead. Check out Rachel’s audition tape for Allie, and we dare you not to cry as you relive the moment when she tells Noah that they just can’t be together.

‘The Notebook’ Audition Tape: Watch Rachel McAdams’ Audition For The Role Of Allie

In her tape, you can hear Ryan delivering his lines off to the side, and it’s obvious that their chemistry was palpable since moment one — the two would date from 2004 to 2007.

Director Nick Cassavetes would later reveal in a featurette that it was obvious that Rachel was “the one” for the role, despite the nine other “very well-known” actresses that also auditioned for the role. “I didn’t know who she was,” Nick said; Rachel was a last-minute addition to casting consideration.

During her audition, the casting director had to stop and grab a tissue, and when Rachel walked out the door, Ryan and Nick were so relieved that they had found Rachel that they gave each other a hug.

Rachel McAdams Beat Out Nine Other Well-Known Actresses For The Role Of Allie

In the featurette, Ryan, clearly smitten about Rachel, gushed about her audition. Where other actresses came in and wanted to talk about the character and the movie endlessly before their audition, Rachel went in totally prepared, and totally ready to get right into it. At one point, Rachel said that everybody in the room was crying. Not surprising, considering that anybody who has ever watched The Notebook and who has a beating heart in their chest has done the same.

So, HollywoodLifers, did you see The Notebook when it came out? Do you love it? Do you agree that Rachel’s audition tape is incredible? Is there anyone else you would have wanted to see in the role of Allie? Let us know!